In a major aviation announcement on Wednesday, Boeing revealed a groundbreaking deal with Qatar Airways for the purchase of up to 210 aircraft, marking the U.S. planemaker’s largest-ever order of widebody jets. This historic purchase underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to expanding and modernizing its fleet amid growing global travel demand.
The agreement includes 130 of Boeing’s latest 787 Dreamliners and 30 of the highly anticipated but delayed 777-9s, with options for up to 50 more aircraft. Additionally, Qatar Airways signed a separate deal with GE Aerospace for over 400 engines to power the new fleet, marking the largest widebody engine purchase in GE Aerospace’s history.
Boeing and Qatar Airways finalized the deal during President Donald Trump’s official state visit to Qatar, part of his four-day Middle East tour. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was present alongside President Trump at the signing ceremony held at Doha’s Amiri Diwan.
“This marks a vital next step for Qatar Airways as we invest in the cleanest, newest, and most efficient aircraft in aviation,” said Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. “It’s about meeting the strong passenger demand and connecting travelers globally better than ever before.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope praised the deal, calling it a “record-breaking order” that secures Qatar Airways’ fleet future with Boeing’s market-leading widebody aircraft lineup. The 426-seat twin-engine 777-9, part of Boeing’s much-anticipated 777X series, is still awaiting FAA certification and has yet to deliver any aircraft.
The White House valued the entire deal at $96 billion, emphasizing its importance for the U.S. economy by supporting 154,000 American jobs annually and more than a million jobs across the country. Both Boeing and Qatar Airways estimate the agreement will generate approximately 400,000 U.S. jobs, with Boeing’s global workforce nearing 170,000 employees.
“This is the largest jet order in Boeing’s history,” President Trump said following the signing at the Amiri Diwan, highlighting the deal’s significance for American manufacturing.
The massive order could give a substantial boost to Boeing, which has struggled with recent setbacks including safety concerns, production issues, rising costs, and a nearly two-month machinist strike last year. The company’s recovery is also hampered by ongoing trade tensions, especially with China, which has halted accepting Boeing deliveries in response to U.S. tariffs.
Despite these challenges, Boeing has recently begun narrowing its losses as it works through a backlog worth over $500 billion, according to first-quarter earnings reports.
The new planes will be assembled at Boeing’s Charleston facility in South Carolina, with the deal expected to nearly double Qatar Airways’ current fleet of 233 aircraft, further strengthening its position as a leading carrier in the Middle East.
This landmark deal not only highlights growing confidence in Boeing’s aircraft but also signals Qatar Airways’ plans to enhance its fleet capacity and service offerings. However, the deal has also drawn political scrutiny, with some critics questioning the implications associated with the U.S.’s close ties with Qatar, especially amid debates over a proposed luxury 747 aircraft that could serve as the new Air Force One.
As Qatar Airways prepares to expand its fleet, travelers worldwide can anticipate more direct routes and improved service, reinforcing Dubai and Doha’s status as major hubs for international travelers.
